Cape Cod Day 5 - Beech Forest Trail (8/16)

On Wednesday we got up early and headed out to Provincetown. Our first stop was at the Beech Forest Trail. This is a really unique place. As the name suggests, the area is filled with Beech trees. As you walk thru the forest, the sand under your feet is the only thing to remind you that you're only a few hundred yards from the ocean.

I'm guessing that the large kettle pond at the center of the forest makes it possible for the larger trees to survive. The trails themselve skirt along the water's edge. Breaks in the vegetation along the trail allowed fantastic views of the water. We spied several birds who were making the area home. Tree Swallows and Eastern Phoebes shot out over the water to catch insects as a Eastern Wood Peewee called from further back in the forest. Several Fowler's Toads hopped along the trail and Bullfrogs and Green Frogs could be found sunning themselves between the lilypads.

One of the offshoot trails was so interesting that I forced myself to climb the steep incline. At the top I was rewarded with a spectacular view of the famous Provincetown dunes. I retreated back into the forest and continued to the dock. There I spooked a Spotted Sandpiper who flew to the opposite side of the pond and resumed feeding.

Lastly, this area is famous for its tame Chickadees. If you have some seed and hold it out for them, they'll take it from you. There are signs on the property which ask you not to feed the wildlife but its just too cool not to try it at least once.

After finishing up at the Beech Forest, we heaed into the city for a snack at the Portuguese Bakery and a walk on the docks. There we found some Common Eider and Double-crested Cormorants near the breakwater. Finally it was off to the Province Lands Visitor Center before heading back to Marconi Beach to cool off.